Pharmacological activity of Salvia lavandulifolia and chemical components of its essential oil. A review

Abstract

Porres-Martínez, M., Carretero M.E. & Gómez-Serranillos, M.P. Pharmacological activity of Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl. and chemical components of its essential oil. Lazaroa 34: 237-254 (2013). Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl. is a plant from the Iberian peninsula whose phytochemical evaluation indicated the presence of flavonoids, triterpenoids, diterpenoids and monoterpenes. It has an essential oil rich in various bioactive compounds (like 1,8-cineole or a-pinene). It has been traditionally used for its spasmolytic, antiseptic, analgesic, sedative and anesthesic activities. pharmacological studies of the plant have demonstrated its reputation as aromatic plant to enhance memory and anti-dementia drug by the inhibition of cholinesterase enzyme. The species also possesses a wide range of pharmacological uses including: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, estrogenic and central nervous system depressant properties, relevant to the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. The present review summarizes the information concerning the taxonomy ecological and biogeographical features, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities and toxicity of the Salvia lavandulifolia because these findings suggest the need for further research on this species. © 2013. Universidad Complutense de Madrid.